A$AP Rocky’s Mom on Her Relationship With Rihanna

A$AP Rocky has revealed that his mother, Rina “Renee” Black, played a significant role in the beginning of his romantic relationship with Rihanna by encouraging him to pursue the singer before they began dating in late 2019.

The rapper, 37, discussed the influence of his mother during an interview on the New York Times podcast Popcast, which was published on January 15, 2026. During the conversation with hosts Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli, Rocky detailed how his mother had a clear vision for his romantic future long before the couple became a pair.

My mother used to say [stuff] like, ‘I know you like this girl that [you’re] with right now, but I want you with Riri,’

A$AP Rocky

Rocky noted that he initially resisted these suggestions. He recalled telling his mother to be cool and insisting that Rihanna was just my friend. At the time, he believed that that girl don’t even want me like that.

Despite his initial hesitation, Rocky’s mother continued to push for the relationship because she viewed Rihanna as real. Reflecting on the situation, the rapper stated that mothers know best.

Rocky also discussed the timing of the relationship, suggesting that the couple may not have been compatible had they attempted to date earlier. He stated that he does not believe he was ready for a relationship of that nature prior to when it actually started, and he believes Rihanna was not ready either.

Professional History and Collaboration

The romantic relationship that began in late 2019 was preceded by a professional friendship and several high-profile collaborations that started in the early 2010s. In 2012, A$AP Rocky appeared on a remix of Rihanna’s song Cockiness (Love It). The two artists later performed the track together at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Their professional overlap continued into 2013, when Rihanna appeared as a guest star in the music video for Rocky’s Fashion Killa. Rihanna enlisted Rocky to serve as an opening act for her Diamonds World Tour.

Relationship and Family

The couple officially began dating in late 2019. This transition occurred after Rihanna had concluded a three-year relationship with Saudi businessman Hassan Jameel.

Since the start of their relationship, A$AP Rocky and Rihanna have welcomed three children. As of January 15, 2026, their children include:

• RZA Athleston, age 3
• Riot Rose, age 2
• Rocki Irish, four months old